Frater U.:D.: has provided a practical guide to sex magick, one that’s been long overdue in occult literature. A brief overview is given of the history of tantra and the inner alchemy of Taoism in comparison to western sex magick, dispelling common worries and fears regarding this much misunderstood branch of the western magical tradition.

He comments on the tendency of certain types of authors to “try to tackle a subject about which they know little only because it sells well,” while noting that others often tend to exhibit “a vein of arrogance which looks down on the readers and believes that they are not yet ‘mature’ enough for ‘real’ knowledge.” I fully share his opinion that “secrecy has its place during learning and practicing, but not among authors who claim a desire to convey knowledge out of an inner commitment.”1 Fortunately, this excellent text avoids these pitfalls.

Finally, a book on sex magick clearly written for both men and women, removing the patriarchal bias common to most texts of this genre. Secrets of Western Sex Magic is aimed at consensual adults of any sexual preference or orientation, be they gay, straight, or bisexual. Even going so far as to state that “there is no such thing as total heterosexuality, as there is no such thing as total homosexuality;”2 and while in part I might agree, I suspect this will be a point of contention among some readers. He suggests that the practitioner aim for the more balanced androgyne, as he says: “Without making needless distinctions, traditional attachments and moral codes are set aside in favor of ‘Do what thou Wilt.’ For the sex mystic, sexuality is a holy expression of one’s highest destiny anyway.”3

Frater U.: D.: does an excellent job laying the ground work and getting, or informing the magician the right state or frame of mind, noting that:

…it is not necessary to become a perfected, fear-free being to practice sex magic. It is only necessary to face up one’s own fears and inhibitions with brutal frankness. If magic shall actually lead to freedom, than it must be transpersonal freedom, optimum in breadth of choice, and not some predefined norm which once more degrades humanity and wants to impose some new straightjacket.4

U.: D.: refers to western magick as “applied mythology,” referencing many ideas found within chaos magick, noting that “it does not matter which of the models you choose so long as it convinces you personally.” Recommending that one should “become familiar with as many models as possible, because each system has its limits and flexibility is needed for magic,”5 instead taking magickal theories and ideas as mythical truths rather than restrictive objective absolutes. Though he cautions that one “should not overdo the individuality of our own correspondences. It is useful to follow traditional correspondences for metals, numbers, colors, gems an deities because they have a certain consistency.” While commenting on the power of traditional symbols, because “to use them is to tune into the traditional current of these magical symbols, making it easier to work with other magicians from a common basis.”6

Briefly, he discusses various Ordo Templi Orientis factions and the higher grades involving sex magick, and how they’ve chosen to represent them. While also combining numerous practical techniques, beginning with the more basic meditative and silencing of the mind, some pranayama, sigil magick, invocation as well as some physical discipline, and even a few aphrodisiac recipes are given — all without dumbing it down, while still remaining down to earth.

As little background as possible is given when it would sidetrack from the original topic at hand, and in place he instead provides relevant and specific references for further information; which, while being both concise and useful, can also be a little frustrating at times. Then again there is only so much space one can dedicate, and as much as it does cover there is no substitute for experience, as he notes “in many respects it had to remain incomplete. It is my opinion that material, fleshy experience should always be preferred to purely mystical speculations. Only when this has been mastered will sex mysticism make any sense, and only then can the symbols become alive and images turn into reality.”7

Above all this book is practical, easy to read, astonishingly direct and honest in its approach and language, not to mention beautifully illustrated. Techniques and variances are explained in detail and are well-written. It’s a shame more of his works have not been translated into English, especially those referenced throughout the book, numerous articles, essays, etc., which are, as far as I know, only available in German. Highly recommended.